Sea Tiger 41 Information, Review, Specs

First introduced in 1974, the Sea Tiger 41 emerged from a period when Ta Chiao, founded by the Kuo family in Kaohsiung around 1960, was a pioneer in adopting fiberglass construction techniques among Taiwanese boat builders. Having transitioned from constructing wooden fishing boats, Ta Chiao quickly established a strong reputation for producing sturdy, ocean-capable cruising yachts, often characterized by their luxurious teak woodwork interiors. William Garden, the designer of the Sea Tiger 41, was a prominent naval architect whose work, including many of Ta Chiao's iconic CT series, focused on seaworthiness and timeless lines. 4, 9, Builder Article While there isn't evidence of significant variations like MkI or MkII specific to the Sea Tiger 41, it is often associated with or similar to other Ta Chiao models such as the Formosa 41 and CT 41, sometimes being referred to as a "Formosa Sea Tiger 41."

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Sea Tiger 41 is classified as a moderate weight, heavy displacement sailboat, with a displacement to length ratio of approximately 291.5. This indicates a vessel built for comfort and stability rather than outright speed. Her sail area to displacement ratio of around 13.24 suggests that she might be considered "under powered" in light air, meaning she typically performs better with a good breeze. However, with a ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 32.83% (based on reported ballast of 32.83% of displacement), the Sea Tiger 41 is noted for being reasonably stable and stiff, possessing excellent righting capability.

Her long keel design contributes significantly to exceptional directional stability, providing a comfortable and predictable motion in varying sea states. Owners and reviewers often describe her handling characteristics as similar to those of a Westsail, known for their ability to handle rough conditions with aplomb, albeit without surprising bursts of speed. Despite her heavy displacement, some suggest she has a "slightly more speedy hull design" for her class, and her comfort ratio of 42.96 positions her as significantly more comfortable than many similar sailboat designs.

Accommodations and Layout

Consistent with Ta Chiao's building ethos, the interior of the Sea Tiger 41 likely features extensive and "luxurious teak woodwork," contributing to a warm and classic aesthetic. While specific detailed layouts can vary, owners often note that despite her 41-foot length overall, the usable interior space can feel "small inside" due to a bow design that consumes a significant portion of the forward hull. Typically, cruisers of this size and era feature a forward V-berth, a main salon with settees that may convert to berths, a galley, a navigation station, a head with shower, and often a quarter berth or aft cabin, providing comfortable liveaboard or extended cruising accommodations. One related model, the CT 41, is listed with 1 cabin and 6 berths, along with a toilet and shower, suggesting a practical layout for crew or family. The "large saloon" mentioned in some listings further implies ample communal space for dining and relaxation.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Sea Tiger 41 often praise these vessels as "good old boats" and "awesome," highlighting their solid construction and robust nature. The Ta Chiao reputation for building sturdy, ocean-capable yachts is generally affirmed by owners, who appreciate the boats' ability to handle challenging conditions. A recurring observation, however, is that the interior volume, particularly in the forward sections, can feel somewhat constrained for a boat of its length, with the bow design impacting usable living space. As with many older, heavy displacement cruisers, the Sea Tiger 41 often requires ongoing maintenance, with owners noting that they are boats to be "fixed" and continuously cared for to maintain their seaworthiness.